An Elegant Billiard Player Charles Edouard Boutibonne

The composition presents a woman engaged in a game of billiards within what appears to be a lavishly decorated interior. The central figure is positioned slightly off-center, leaning intently over the table as she prepares to strike a ball. Her posture conveys concentration and a degree of physical involvement that contrasts with the expected decorum associated with women of her apparent social standing during the period.
The artist has rendered her in an elaborate gown – a pale cream color accented by blue detailing at the neckline and sleeves – which emphasizes both her elegance and the unconventional nature of her activity. The dress’s voluminous skirt, while characteristic of the eras fashion, also creates a visual barrier between her and the viewer, suggesting a certain distance or guardedness. Her hair is styled in a fashionable manner, with loose curls framing her face. A delicate necklace adorns her neck, further reinforcing her position within a privileged social stratum.
The billiard table itself dominates much of the foreground. Its dark wood contrasts sharply with the woman’s light attire and the floral wallpaper visible behind it. The patterned carpet beneath her feet adds another layer of visual complexity to the scene. A glimpse of a landscape painting is discernible in the background, partially obscured by the rooms architecture, hinting at an expansive world beyond the confines of this intimate setting.
The subtexts within the work revolve around themes of gender roles and social expectations. The woman’s participation in a traditionally male pastime challenges conventional notions of femininity and propriety. Her focused expression and confident stance suggest a rejection of passive domesticity. The opulent surroundings underscore her belonging to an elite class, yet the activity itself implies a desire for agency and independence that might be considered subversive within the context of her time. The overall impression is one of subtle rebellion – a quiet assertion of individuality within a rigidly defined social structure.